foot chase

UPDATED: Police pursue fleeing suspects in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com
1/4

(Updated at 6:15 p.m.) Four people have been taken into custody after a police pursuit through Pentagon City.

Initial reports suggested that police were trying to pull over two suspects in a white SUV near the Fashion Centre mall. The SUV had at least one flat tire, possibly flattened by officers using “stop sticks,” but refused to stop.

The driver, struggling to control the SUV due to the flat tire or tires, reportedly took a sudden detour through the Harris Teeter parking lot with police trailing behind.

A traffic camera showed the SUV exiting the parking lot onto Army Navy Drive, near the mall garage entrance, followed by multiple police cruisers. Arlington County police have a policy against giving chase except in certain circumstances, but officers radioed to the dispatch center that they were merely following the swerving SUV at a rate of speed below the speed limit.

The SUV could be seen turning onto S. Hayes Street, and shortly thereafter its occupants fled on foot. One person ran through the mall, with officers in pursuit, before being taken into custody in the parking garage on the food court level, according to scanner traffic. Officers told dispatchers that they subsequently recovered two guns.

Many of those details were confirmed in an account of the incident provided to ARLnow. From Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage:

At approximately 3:41 p.m. on November 23, police were alerted to a possibly stolen vehicle in the area of the 800 block of Army Navy Drive. Officers located the parked, unoccupied vehicle and confirmed its status as stolen. Five subjects subsequently returned to the vehicle and police attempted to stop them. Two subjects were detained without incident, one subject fled on foot, and two subjects fled in the vehicle. Officers deployed stop sticks, causing the rear tires of the vehicle to deflate, however the driver continued to travel at a low rate of speed around the area. Arlington County Police did not pursue the vehicle. With the assistance of Virginia State Police, the vehicle was stopped at 12th Street S. and S. Hayes Street and the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody without incident. The passenger fled on foot and officers initiated a brief foot pursuit before taking the subject into custody without further incident. One subject remains outstanding. During the investigation, two firearms were recovered. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

At least one vehicle was reported to have been struck while the suspects made their attempted getaway, though at this point it’s unclear where.

Southbound S. Hayes Street in front of the mall was partially blocked by the police activity after the incident.

Police Foot Chase Prompts Security Alert at Elementary School

By ARLnow.com
1/2

(Updated at 5:20 p.m.) A wanted man fled from police on foot and caused a brief scare at an elementary school this morning.

The incident started around 7:30 a.m. in the Barcroft neighborhood, amid reports of a domestic dispute.

“At approximately 7:33 a.m. on April 6, police were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Buchanan Street for the report of a dispute between known individuals,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “During the course of the investigation, it was determined that one of the involved subjects was wanted by another jurisdiction.”

Police patrolling the area later located the man in the Green Valley neighborhood, where he led officers on a chase that ended near Drew Elementary School.

“Following a short foot pursuit, the subject was taken into custody,” Savage said.

Later, after an investigation, it was determined that the 19-year-old suspect had thrown a rock through the victim’s window. He is facing a local charge related to that, as well the warrant for his arrest from another jurisdiction.

A witness to the arrest said the man was arrested in a field near the school amid a large emergency response. An Arlington Public Schools spokesman confirmed to ARLnow that Drew Elementary was placed in “secure the school” mode — a step just short of a full lockdown — between 9:30-9:40 a.m. due to the incident.

Separately this morning, another suspect led police on another chase, a couple of blocks from the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road, after a report of a man trespassing at an under-construction property.

“At approximately 9:46 a.m. on April 6, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of S. Highland Street for the report of a trespassing,” Savage said. “Upon observing the arrival of the responding officer, the subject fled the scene on foot. Officers located the subject and following a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. The investigation determined the subject was related to a destruction of property incident reported yesterday at this location where the side mirrors of two vehicles were damaged.”

A 29-year-old man from Annandale was arrested and charged with Destruction of Property and Trespassing.

Courtesy photos

ACPD: Man Leads Officers on Foot Chase After Bullet Hole Discovered in Neighbor’s Apartment

By ARLnow.com

A man allegedly led police on a foot chase in the Westover area after his neighbor found a bullet hole in his apartment.

The bullet hole was reported to police Friday morning, in an apartment building on the 5700 block of Washington Blvd, according to an Arlington County Police Department crime report.

Investigating officers determined that an argument was overheard in the apartment next to that of the victim one week prior. While trying to get in touch with the residents of the adjacent apartment a man exited the building and tried to flee, according to ACPD, but he was detained and a gun recovered.

More from the crime report:

MISSILE INTO OCCUPIED DWELLING (late), 2021-02260074, 5700 block of Washington Boulevard. At approximately 11:15 a.m. on February 26, police were dispatched to the report of suspicious circumstances. Upon arrival, it was determined that on February 20, the victim located a bullet hole inside his residence and later found a bullet fragment. Further investigation revealed an argument was overheard in the adjoining apartment the evening prior to the bullet hole being discovered. As officers were attempting to make telephone contact with those residents, the male subject emerged from the building and fled the scene. Following a foot pursuit, he was detained by officers. A firearm was later recovered. The investigation is ongoing.

Separately, police are looking for a man who lit blankets atop a sleeping victim on fire, according to Monday’s crime report.

The victim was sleeping under an overpass in Arlington when the alleged incident occurred, on Friday, Feb. 19. It was only reported to police this past Thursday morning, when medics were called to treat the victim’s burns. He was taken to a local burn center by ambulance, according to scanner traffic.

The crime report suggests that the victim knows the suspect.

“At approximately 11:45 a.m. on February 25, police were dispatched to an EMS assist” on the 2900 block of S. Glebe Road, the crime report says. “Upon arrival, it was determined that on February 19, the victim was asleep underneath the overpass when he was approached by a known suspect who wrapped his legs in blankets and set them on fire.”

“The victim and a witness were able to extinguish the fire and the suspect left the scene,” the crime report continues. “Upon receiving the request for service on February 25, the victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.”

No arrests have been reported so far, and police say the investigation into the incident “is ongoing.”

File photo

Car Theft Suspect Apprehended After Chase, Crash

By ARLnow.com

A teen is facing a number of charges after some early morning vehicular mayhem in Arlington on Saturday.

Arlington County police say the teen was prowling the Hall’s Hill neighborhood in a stolen Chevrolet Camaro, looking for unlocked cars. He was accompanied by at least three other suspects and two other vehicles.

“At approximately 5:07 a.m., police were dispatched to the report of a vehicle tampering in the 2000 block of N. Cameron Street,” police said in a press release Monday. “The reporting party advised they had observed four suspects associated with a Chevrolet Camaro trying door handles of parked vehicles in the area. A responding officer located the suspect vehicle, with two other vehicles following closely behind and attempted a traffic stop.”

The three vehicles fled at high speed, but were located nearby.

“Additional officers attempted to stop the vehicles on N. Culpeper Street where the driver of a sedan with Maryland temporary tags accelerated towards them, attempted to strike an officer who was on foot, and crashed into a police cruiser,” police say. “No officers were injured.”

The suspects then fled onto Lee Highway, where officers again spotted them and initiated a chase. The Camaro later crashed into a median near the Washington Blvd and Route 50 interchange, and the teen was taken into custody after “a brief foot pursuit.”

He is now facing charges of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Burglary, Eluding, and Motor Vehicle Theft.

Another of the suspect vehicles — a black Mercedes — was found abandoned on the 100 block of N. Edgewood Street, a few blocks from where the Camaro crashed. Officers, assisted by the U.S. Park Police helicopter, searched the area but did not find the driver.

The Camaro was stolen from Arlington’s Dominion Hills neighborhood, police said, while the Mercedes was stolen from Hall’s Hill after a home break-in.

“The suspects had entered a separate unlocked vehicle, located a garage door opener and made entry into their residence from the garage,” said ACPD. “Once inside, the suspects stole a purse containing keys to the Mercedes and fled the scene in the vehicle before being located by officers.”

The thefts and chases are the latest in a year-and-a-half long spate of vehicle break-ins and thefts, many involving suspects who search for unlocked cars and other crimes of opportunity.

The police press release noted that another recent crime — a car stolen from a home with an open garage door on Friday — may be related.

This incident is being investigated as related to a similar residential burglary reported on February 19. At approximately 9:59 a.m., police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Quebec Street for the report of a burglary just discovered. Upon arrival, it was determined that at approximately 5:00 a.m., the suspects gained entry to the residence from an open garage door. Once inside, the suspects stole wallets, cash and vehicle keys. The suspects then used the vehicle keys to flee the scene in the victim’s 2021 white Mercedes.

ARLnow hears that the home from which the white Mercedes was stolen is owned by former Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat. Real estate listings suggest that the property in the Cherrydale neighborhood is being rented.

The Arlington County Police Department, meanwhile, is asking for the public’s help in identifying the car theft suspects.

The investigation into these incidents and the identities of the involved parties is ongoing. Anyone with information or video surveillance that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact Detective D. Johnson at 703-228-4193 or [email protected] or Detective S. Whalin at 703-228-4159 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

The department also offered the following burglary prevention and safety tips.

(more…)

Police Investigate Pentagon City Purse Snatching

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County police are investigating a purse snatching that involved a foot chase, an implied gun and a getaway vehicle.

The incident happened Wednesday afternoon on the 1200 block of S. Joyce Street in Pentagon City, near Pentagon Row.

According to ACPD, a man grabbed a woman’s purse, broke the strap and ran off, but was pursued by a pair of good Samaritans. The man then implied he had a gun, prompting the pair to stop their pursuit.

By the time police were dispatched, the suspect had hopped into an older minivan, which then drove away. Arriving officers were unable to locate the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

More from ACPD:

ROBBERY BY FORCE, 2020-09300114, 1200 block of S. Joyce Street. At approximately 2:17 p.m. on September 30, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined that the victim was walking in the area when she noticed someone following her. As the victim turned around, the suspect grabbed her purse, causing the strap to break. Two bystanders attempted to chase the suspect, however, he implied he had a firearm, prompting the bystanders to discontinue their efforts. The suspect then entered a vehicle driven by a second suspect and fled the area prior to police arrival. The suspect is described as a Black male, 20-30 years old, approximately 6’0″, with a medium cut beard, wearing a black hoodie, sweatpants. The vehicle is described as an old, green and silver Chevrolet minivan. The investigation is ongoing.

Wanted Man Arrested in Va. Square After Foot Chase

By ARLnow.com

An 18-year-old Arlington man was arrested Tuesday morning after a brief foot chase through Virginia Square.

Police say they were initially called after a man allegedly spit on an employee inside a business on the 3500 block of Wilson Blvd. That block includes a 7-Eleven store, but the Arlington County Police Department typically does not name the business in which a crime occurs.

After officers spotted the suspect near N. Oakland Street and tried to place him in handcuffs, he took off on foot, according to ACPD. He was ultimately taken into custody at gunpoint in front of the Brookdale Arlington assisted living facility at 3821 Wilson Blvd, according to photos and scanner traffic at the time.

The man — who was wanted in Montgomery County, Maryland — is now facing numerous charges. More from an ACPD crime report:

OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE (Significant), 2020-09080057, 3500 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 10:45 a.m. on September 8, police were dispatched to the report of a disorderly subject who had allegedly spit on an employee of a business. Arriving officers located a subject matching the description in the area of N. Oakland Street and 7th Street N. and made contact with him. The suspect provided officers with a false name, and, while attempting to identify him using law enforcement resources, he was determined to be wanted out of Montgomery County. As officers attempted to place him in handcuffs, he fled on foot. Following a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody. Andre Hicks, 18, of Arlington, Va., was arrested and charged with Obstruction of Justice, Identity Theft, Assault & Battery, and Fugitive from Justice.

Photo courtesy Todd B.

Two Arrested After Weekend Robbery on Columbia Pike

By ARLnow.com

Two men in their late teens are facing felony charges police say they robbed a store on Columbia Pike over the weekend.

The robbery happened around 1 p.m. on Saturday, according to county police. An Arlington Alert sent that afternoon said it happened at 2340 Columbia Pike, which is the address of Wireless Rxx — a computer and phone repair shop and retailer that was struggling early in the pandemic.

According to police, three young male suspects entered the store and started trying to smash the display counter with rocks — when that didn’t work, they allegedly reached over the counter, stole merchandise, and then started throwing items at store employees before fleeing.

Two of the suspects were located by officers further west on Columbia Pike. Both were arrested, including one taken into custody after a foot chase, police said. Despite an extended search of the area, the third suspect was able to get away.

More from an ACPD daily crime report:

ROBBERY, 2020-09050122, 2300 block of Columbia Pike. At approximately 1:03 p.m. on September 5, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined that three male suspects entered a business and attempted to smash a glass display counter with rocks they had concealed in their clothing. When that was unsuccessful, the suspects allegedly reached over the counter and stole merchandise. The suspects then threw merchandise at store employees and attempted to strike one employee before fleeing the scene on foot. A lookout for the suspects was broadcast to responding officers. Units canvassed the area and located two of the suspects in the 2700 block of Columbia Pike. One suspect fled on foot from officers and, following a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into police custody. Delonte Roach, 18, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Felony and Eluding Police. Raymontae Ford, 19, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Felony and Obstruction of Justice. Both suspects were held without bond. Suspect Three remains outstanding and is described as a young Black male, medium height with a skinny build.

Courtesy photo

ACPD: Man Pulled Gun on Tow Driver, Ran from Police

By ARLnow.com

A 29-year-old D.C. man is behind bars after police say he pulled a gun on a tow truck driver early this morning.

The incident happened just before 3:30 a.m., near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive. Police say a tow truck driver was about to tow a car when the suspect approached, brandishing a gun and demanding the car be released. He then drove off.

The suspect and his car were later spotted a few blocks away, in Alcova Heights. Police say he took off on foot, tossed the gun and tried to scale a fence, but was tased by officers and taken into custody.

The suspect is now facing a battery of charges, including robbery, reckless driving and weapons violations.

More from an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

ARMED ROBBERY, 2020-08280038, S. Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike. At approximately 3:21 a.m. on August 28, police were dispatched to the report of a brandishing. Upon arrival, it was determined that the victim had finished securing the suspect’s vehicle prior to towing it when he was approached by the suspect, who allegedly brandished a firearm, threatened the victim and demanded the release of the vehicle and items of value. The victim complied and the suspect fled in his vehicle. Arriving officers located the suspect vehicle parked and unoccupied in the area of 9th Street S. and S. Monroe Street and observed the suspect walking in the area. As additional officers arrived on scene, the suspect fled on foot and a brief foot pursuit ensued, during which the suspect discarded the firearm he was carrying. The suspect ignored lawful commands of officers and attempted to flee over a fence. An officer successfully deployed their taser and he was taken into custody without further incident. Drake Anthony, Jr., 29, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with charged with Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Obstruction of Justice, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Reckless Driving, and held on no bond.

Police: Four Arrested After Vehicle Theft, Foot Chases in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Four juvenile suspects were taken into police custody after a wild series of events in Crystal City Monday afternoon.

Police say a car left idling and unattended was stolen on the 2600 block of Crystal Drive, by a suspect who hopped out of a car occupied by four other suspects. Later, police located both vehicles near Route 1 and S. Eads Street and conducted a traffic stop.

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while three others were arrested following foot pursuits through parts of Crystal City and Pentagon City. A fifth suspect remains at large.

The crime is the latest in a string of carjackings, car break-ins, and thefts of vehicles left idling or unlocked — often delivery vehicles.

More from an Arlington County Police Departmentment crime report:

RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE, 2020-08100143, 2600 block of Crystal Drive. At approximately 4:24 p.m. on August 10, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined that the victim left his Nissan Maxima idling unattended, during which time Suspect One allegedly exited a Chevrolet Cruze, occupied by four other suspects, and stole the victim’s Maxima. Officers canvassing the area located the Cruze and Maxima in the area of Richmond Highway and S. Eads Street and effected a traffic stop. Suspect One exited the Maxima, which then struck another vehicle, and fled the scene on foot. The other four suspects exited the Cruze and attempted to flee on foot. Suspect Two was stopped as they exited the Cruze. Suspect One and two other suspects were apprehended in the area following brief foot pursuits. The fifth suspect remains outstanding. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the Cruze was reported stolen out of Washington D.C. earlier in the day. Petitions for Grand Larceny Auto, Hit and Run, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony were sought for juvenile Suspect One. Petitions for Grand Larceny Auto and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony were obtained for the other three juvenile suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

File photo

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Petition for Intersection Improvements — “Last Friday, our life turned upside down when a car traveling upward of 40-50 mph mowed down our 10-year old daughter and puppy… We would like to see three simple measures put in place at each of these intersections – (1) stop signs, (2) crosswalk stripes on the asphalt and (3) curb extensions or mini-circles if deemed appropriate/necessary by County traffic experts.” [Change.org]

County: Support Civil Rights By Taking Census — “Census data on both race and origin are used to ensure civil rights protections including voting rights and fair housing. The data are also used to address employment discrimination, provide language services and fund schools, as well as many other programs and services.” [Arlington County]

Nearby: Foot Chase in Falls Church — “Police received two separate calls about two women who felt threatened by a man while they were walking near the 400 block of W. Broad Street. Police located the man and pursued him as he fled on foot. Officers attempted to communicate with the man, but he became aggressive. Officers gave warning, then used capsaicin or “pepper” spray… After officers consulted with one of the victims, no arrest was made and no charges were pressed at this time.” [City of Falls Church]

Two Teens Arrested for Vandalism at New Middle School

By ARLnow.com

Two Arlington teens are facing felony charges after an alleged vandalism spree in the new Dorothy Hamm Middle School.

Police were dispatched to the under-construction school on Vacation Lane — which formerly housed the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program — just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, following a burglar alarm activation. They found two 18-year-olds and a slew of damaged property, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

“Arriving officers established a perimeter and observed the suspects exit the building,” police said in a crime report. “One suspect was taken into custody, while the second suspect attempted to flee on foot. Officers later located the second suspect nearby and took him into custody without incident.”

The teens “were arrested and charged with Burglary with Intent to Commit Larceny/Assault & Battery/Other Felony, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Destruction of Property and Consume/Purchase/Possess Alcohol: <21 Years Old,” the crime report said. “They were held on no bond.”

A police spokeswoman said the damage was mostly from graffiti.

“The suspects allegedly tore down posters and papers and spray painted various items throughout the building,” said ACPD’s Ashley Savage. “A cost estimate of damages is ongoing.”

View More Stories